BBC Unsung Hero Nominations Open

The Get Inspired Unsung Hero Award returns for 2017, this time with a wider range of physical activities eligible for applications.

The award, now in its 15th year, honours sports volunteers in local communities who go above and beyond to encourage people to participate in physical activity and will be one of the highlights of this year’s BBC Sport Personality of the Year awards, taking place in Liverpool on Sunday 17th December.

The nominee must be 16 or older and could work across an array of physical activities in their local community. The winner can be involved in any way from steward to instructor or coach. If they have shown unwavering commitment to promoting activity and getting more people involved, then they could scoop the coveted trophy this year at the star-studded ceremony live on BBC One.

Sharon Fuller, Editor for Get Inspired, said: “There are thousands of people nationwide who play a crucial role in encouraging their local community to take up a sporting activity every day, often voluntarily or in their own free time. That’s why it was important for us to widen the range of physical activities this year to shine a light on as many deserving individuals as possible.

“This year’s award is a chance to thank those who work so tirelessly in their local areas by nominating them for the BBC Get Inspired Unsung Hero Award.”

For 2017, Get Inspired welcomes Olympic gold medallist Darren Campbell and BBC Radio 5 live sport presenter Elly Oldroyd as Unsung Hero Ambassadors for the award.

To nominate an Unsung Hero, simply complete the application form on the BBC Get Inspired website and submit it before 22nd October by visiting: www.bbc.co.uk/unsunghero

Fifteen winners from the BBC nations and English regions will be chosen and invited to attend the Sport Personality of the Year celebrations. One of the fifteen will then be crowned the BBC Get Inspired Unsung Hero of the Year 2017 in front of a venue full of sporting stars and legends live on BBC One and the BBC Sport website.

Last year, Marcellus Baz was named as the Get Inspired Unsung Hero award winner for 2016. Marcellus won the award for his fantastic work in the local community with his Nottingham School of Boxing, which provides free classes to hundreds of young people, with some even dreaming of reaching the Olympics.

Marcellus Baz said: “Winning the Unsung Hero Award last year was so unexpected but so amazing! I was up against so many other worthy nominees that when they called my name I was a little bit speechless, but of course thrilled.

“I was just so proud and honoured to be recognised for my work with my school and since winning I have been even more determined than ever to help my local community embrace sport and reach their full potential.”